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Lailey Vineyard’s Spring Open House Boutique winery Lailey launches its impressive crop of 2004 whites, including one of the best Sauvignon Blancs yet produced in this country and a delicious unoaked Chardonnay. Free. Tours start at 10:30 am. 15940 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Reserve via 905-468-0503.
May 28-30
Flat Rock Cellars Grand Opening New vintner on the block officially cracks open the cellar door for the first time. Riesling and Pinot Noir lovers rejoice. Free. 10 am to 6 pm. 2727 Seventh, Jordan. 905-562-8994.
June 4
Angels Gate Winery Release This premium Beamsville estate winery unveils the new 2004 vintage of its signature Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Gamay Noir along with new additions to the portfolio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay Musque. Free. 10 am to 5:30 pm. 4260 Mountainview, Beamsville. 905-563-3942.
June 5
Niagara New Vintage Spring Garden Party Picturesque Ball’s Falls plays host to a casual afternoon tasting of new wines from Ontario producers, cheese selections from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and a barbecue. 2 to 5 pm. $55. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Jordan. 905-688-0212.
June 11
Thirteenth Street Wine Corp New Releases Premium small-batch wine producer celebrates the release of aromatic whites and a delicious rosé from the 2004 vintage. It’s worth the drive to Jordan Station. Free. 10 am to 5 pm. 3983 13th, Jordan Station. 905-562-9463.
Niagara New Vintage Gala The coming-out party for wines from the 2004 vintage, this movable feast features tastings from more than 35 participating Ontario wineries and a variety of food and cheese stations. 7 to 10 pm. $85. St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, 70 Westchester, St. Catharines. 905-688-0212.
June 16
Ontario Wine Awards Consumer Tasting A special tasting of the medal winners from the 2005 Ontario Wine Awards, which are poured by principals from the winning wineries. 6:30 to 9:30 pm, $45. The Stone Distillery, Building #6, Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill, Distillery District. 416-398-3335 ext 2. www.ontariowineawards.ca.
June 19
Vine Dining The immaculate vineyards at Vineland Estates Winery morph into a gourmet picnic ground for this annual fundraiser for Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius. Top chefs and caterers turn out tasting plates of signature dishes, interspersed with a number of wineries’ premium products. $125. 1 to 5 pm. Vineland Estates Winery, Moyer, Vineland. 905-522-7529.
June 25
Fielding Estate Winery Winemaker Andrzej Lipinski pours award-winning selections from newcomer Fielding’s impressive portfolio. Free. 11 am to 5:30 pm. 4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville, 905-327-6202.
July 9
Coyote’s Run Estate Winery First Birthday Celebration Cottage winery Coyote’s Run marks its first birthday with free tastings of its newly released Riesling, Dry Vidal and Pinot Noir Rosé, all from the 2004 vintage. 10 am to 6 pm. 485 Concession #5, St. Davids (Niagara-on-the-Lake). 905-682-8310.
For complete New Vintage Festival event listings go to www.grapeandwine.com.
